How to Get the Best Wedding Photos: Tips from a Wedding Photographer
You’ve booked your dream photographer (yay!), and now you're wondering—how do we make sure our wedding photos turn out as magical as we imagine? The good news? You don’t need to be a model or know your angles. The best wedding photos aren’t about stiff poses—they’re about real moments, big emotions, and capturing the magic of the day as it unfolds.
With years of experience behind the lens (and after shooting some of the most incredible weddings in New Zealand), I’ve picked up a few tips that can help you get the most out of your wedding photography. So, grab a coffee (or a wine), and let’s dive into how to make your wedding photos next-level stunning.
This might sound obvious, but choosing a photographer whose style you love is the biggest factor in getting wedding photos you’re obsessed with. Some photographers create light, airy, editorial-style images. Others go for a moody, dramatic feel. Some (like us!) focus on natural, documentary-style moments with minimal posing—just the real, raw, joy-filled magic of your day.
Top Tip: When looking at photographers, ask yourself: Do I love how they capture emotions? Do their photos make me feel something? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track!
One of the most common things we hear after a wedding is: "Wow, that went so fast!" Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of hugs, happy tears, and champagne toasts, so the best thing you can do is be fully in the moment.
The more you let go, trust your photographer, and enjoy the day, the better your photos will be. You don’t need to worry about where to stand, what to do with your hands, or whether your veil is sitting perfectly—we’ve got you covered.
Top Tip: If you're feeling camera shy, think of it this way—your wedding photos aren’t just about how you look, they’re about how the day felt. The more relaxed and present you are, the more that emotion will shine through in your photos.
Golden hour (the hour just before sunset) is prime-time magic for wedding photos. The light is soft, warm, and super flattering—basically, it’s nature’s Instagram filter.
If possible, try to sneak away for 15-20 minutes around sunset for some golden-hour portraits. Not only will you get stunning, romantic photos, but it’s also a great chance to take a breather and soak in a quiet moment together before heading back to the party.
Top Tip: If golden hour doesn’t work with your timeline, don’t stress! We can make magic happen in any lighting situation.
Your wedding timeline plays a HUGE role in how your photos turn out. We can help you plan the best time for portraits, golden hour shots, and all the little in-between moments that make for an incredible gallery.
Top Tip: When you book us, we’ll work with you to create a stress-free timeline that ensures you get all the photos you want while still enjoying every moment of your day.
The more fun, unique, and spontaneous moments you create, the more amazing memories you’ll have captured! Some great ways to add extra magic to your gallery include:
- A champagne or cocktail tower (because pouring bubbly always makes for stunning photos!)
- A picnic with your bridal party (relaxed, candid moments = pure gold)
- Smashing cake into your partner’s face (if you're up for a little fun, this always gets big laughs!)
- Fireworks or sparklers (if your venue allows it, this can be a breathtaking finale!)
Top Tip: Talk to us about your ideas, and we’ll help you capture them in the best way possible!
Picture this: You’re walking down the aisle, seeing your partner’s face light up… but instead of being met with smiling faces, you're faced with a sea of phones and iPads blocking the view. Yikes.
We’re all for capturing moments, but trust us—your ceremony will feel so much more special if your guests are truly present. Plus, it means we can capture your partner’s reaction, your parents wiping away happy tears, and all those raw, emotional moments without a million screens in the way.
Top Tip: Ask your celebrant to make a quick announcement before the ceremony, or put a cute sign at the entrance asking guests to keep their phones away until after the first kiss.
A first look (where you see each other before the ceremony) is one of the best ways to calm the nerves and get some super emotional, intimate photos. It’s a moment just for you two—no crowd, no pressure, just pure love and excitement.
Not keen on a full first look? Consider a "first touch" (holding hands around a door or standing back to back), reading private vows, or even just sharing a quiet moment together before the big ‘I do.’
Top Tip: A first look can also mean you get more photos done earlier, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy cocktail hour after the ceremony!
The best wedding photos aren’t about looking perfect—they’re about feeling like yourselves.
Love being silly together? Let’s capture that! More on the romantic, quiet side? We’ll focus on those soft, intimate moments. Want a dramatic shot of you both running through the mountains? We’ll make it happen.
Your wedding day is yours—so don’t worry about stiff poses or forced smiles. Just be you, have fun, and let us handle the rest.
Ready to Get Wedding Photos You’ll Love Forever?
If you’re after wedding photos that feel natural, candid, and completely you, we’d love to tell your story. Whether you’re planning a big, beautiful celebration or an intimate elopement, let’s make some magic together.
📩 Now booking 2025/26 weddings—let’s chat about your dream day!
